Young woman Manpreet Kaur dies on plane after Qantas flight from Australia to visit family in India
A young woman was on her first trip in four years to visit her family in India when she died on a Qantas flight just before it took off from Australia.
Manpreet Kaur, 24, suffered a medical episode after boarding a plane at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport on June 20.
Ms Kaur was given immediate medical attention before she died in front of worried passengers. She reportedly died of tuberculosis.
The plane was bound for Delhi, where Ms Kaur’s family lives. The 24-year-old had not seen her family since moving to Australia in March 2020.
A Qantas spokesperson said both crew and emergency services had attempted to provide medical assistance.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones,” the Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
According to Gurdip Grewal, a friend of Ms Kaur, the 24-year-old had been feeling unwell in the hours before she arrived at the airport.
“When she got on the plane, she had trouble putting on her seat belt,” he said.
A woman who died on board a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Delhi, Manpreet Kaur (pictured), has returned home to reunite with family
‘Just before her flight took off, she fell in front of her seat and died on the spot.’
Roommate Kuldeep told Herald Sun Ms Kaur worked at Australia Post and wanted to become a chef.
“She was kind and honest,” she said.
‘She loved travelling around Victoria with her friends.’
Mr. Grewal launched a GoFundMe in an effort to raise money for her family.
“Our dear friend Manpreet left us too soon and left a void in our lives that can never be filled,” he wrote.
“As we mourn her passing, we want to come together to honor her memory and support her family in their time of need.”
Roommate Kuldeep told the Herald Sun that Ms Kaur worked at Australia Post and wanted to become a chef
The fundraiser has raised just under $25,000 of its $30,000 goal, with more than 670 donations in just five days.
“Your support means so much to us and Manpreet’s family and is helping them navigate this challenging time,” Mr Grewal wrote.
Victoria Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
“As the matter is before the coroner, we will have no further comment,” a spokeswoman said.